According to The Merck Manuals, cardiovascular heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood adequately. Cardiovascular heart failure causes reduced blood flow and congestion of blood in veins and lungs, as well as other changes that may weaken the heart. The Merck Manuals reports that heart failure develops in about 1 out of 100 people in the United States. It can be treated using one or more drugs depending on the symptoms. Physicians may take some time to find the best medication and dosage for a patient. Drugs for treating cardiovascular heart failure include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics and aldosterone antagonists.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are drugs for cardiovascular heart failure. According to MayoClinic.com, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors act as vasodilators, so they widen the blood vessels, which help to decrease blood pressure, improve blood flow and decrease the work load on the heart. Some of the drugs of this class include enalapril, lisinopril and captopril. They inhibit the work of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts the protein Angiotensin I and causes blood vessel constriction and high blood pressure .
Beta Blockers
Cardiovascular heart failure can be treated with drugs like beta blockers. According to MayoClinic.com, beta blockers can reduce signs and symptoms of heart failure and improve heart failure. Some of the drugs of this class include carvedilol, metoprolol and bisoprolol. Beta blockers act by slowing down the heart rate and thus reducing blood pressure.
Diuretics
Diuretics can treat signs and symptoms of cardiovascular heart failure. According to MayoClinic.com, diuretics decrease fluid in lungs, which helps with breathing. However, diuretics cause net loss of sodium, potassium ions and water in urine. MayoClinic.com further recommends that the physician monitors the levels of potassium in the blood of such patients through blood tests and provides supplements as necessary. Some of the drugs of this class include bumetanide and furosemide.
Aldosterone Antagonists
Aldosterone antagonists are drugs for treating cardiovascular heart failure. According to MayoClinic.com, aldosterone antagonists are potassium-sparing diuretics and may reverse scarring of the heart. Aldosterone antagonists act like regular diuretics but also conserve potassium ions. They help eliminate excess build up of fluid within the heart, lungs and body. Some of the drugs of this class include spironolactone and eplerenone.
